Measured Building Survey
A detailed measured survey producing accurate floor plans, elevations and sections of a residential property. Essential for architects, designers, planning applications, lease plans and property records.
Whether you are planning an extension, converting a loft, submitting a planning application or simply need accurate drawings of your home, our measured building survey provides the precise dimensional data your architect or designer needs to get started — delivered in industry-standard formats ready to use.
Measured Building Survey
Our Home Surveyor & Property Valuer Accreditation & Professional Membership
Our Measured Building Surveys are carried out by qualified surveyors who belong to the professional bodies that set UK property standards. Every report is prepared to recognised guidance and is completely independent, so you can rely on the findings when you buy, sell or value a home.
What Is a Measured Building Survey?
A measured building survey is a detailed dimensional survey of a property that produces accurate floor plans, elevations and cross-sections. Using laser distance meters, the surveyor measures every room, wall, window, door and structural feature to produce scaled 2D drawings that accurately represent the property as it stands. These drawings are then used by architects, architectural technicians, structural engineers and interior designers as the base for planning applications, building regulation submissions, extension designs, loft conversions and interior fit-outs.
What It Covers
- Accurate measured floor plans of every habitable room, circulation space and outbuilding
- Wall thicknesses, door openings, window positions and structural openings recorded
- Floor-to-ceiling heights, ceiling type and any changes in level or split levels captured
- External elevations showing the building's appearance from all four sides where required
- Cross-sectional drawings through the building showing roof profile and storey heights
- Roof plan with ridge lines, valleys, hips, chimneys and roof lights where visible and accessible
- Drainage layout above ground — soil vent pipes, rainwater downpipes and gully positions
- Site plan showing the building footprint, boundaries, access points and adjacent structures
What It Does Not Cover
- A structural assessment of the building's condition or defects
- A market valuation of the property
- Testing of services (electrics, gas, plumbing, heating or drainage)
- Advice on planning permission likelihood or building regulation compliance
- Investigative opening up to expose concealed construction or hidden defects
- Topographical survey of the land beyond the immediate building footprint
Is a Measured Building Survey Right for You?
A measured building survey is the right starting point when you need accurate, scaled drawings of an existing property. Here is how to tell if it fits your situation.
Suitable For
- Architects and designers requiring accurate plans
- Planning applications and building regulation submissions
- Lease plans for Land Registry
- Space planning and interior design
- Property marketing with accurate floor plans
- Party Wall Act documentation
Not Suitable For
- Simple room measurements (consider a DIY approach)
- Structural assessments (use a Building Survey)
Not sure whether you need a measured survey or something else? Speak to a surveyor for free, no-obligation advice.
What Is Included in a Measured Building Survey
Every measured building survey we produce includes the following as standard.
Laser-Measured Accuracy
Floor plans produced using laser distance meters for millimetre accuracy.
Floor Plans
Professional 2D floor plans showing room dimensions, wall thicknesses and door/window positions.
Elevations
External elevations where required for planning applications or design work.
Sections
Cross-sectional drawings showing floor-to-ceiling heights and roof profile.
Digital Delivery
Plans delivered in DWG and PDF format, ready for your architect or designer to use.
How the Measured Building Survey Process Works
From your enquiry to receiving your drawings — straightforward and professional.
Get a Quote
Contact us with the property address, approximate size and what you need the drawings for (planning, lease plan, design work etc.). We provide a fixed-price quote within 24 hours.
Book the Survey
We arrange a convenient time for the surveyor to attend the property. A typical 3-bedroom house requires 2–3 hours on site. You or a representative needs to provide access.
Surveyor Measures
Using a laser distance meter and traditional survey equipment, the surveyor takes detailed measurements of every room, wall, window, door, ceiling height and external elevation.
Receive Your Drawings
Your finished floor plans, elevations and sections are delivered in DWG and PDF format within 5–7 working days of the site visit. Your architect or designer can use them immediately.
Measured Building Survey Questions
What format are the measured survey drawings delivered in?
We deliver your measured survey drawings in both DWG (AutoCAD) and PDF formats as standard. DWG files can be opened and edited by any architect, architectural technician, structural engineer or designer using AutoCAD or compatible software. The PDF version is a convenient reference that can be viewed on any device. If you need additional formats — such as Revit or SketchUp — we can usually accommodate this; please mention it when you enquire.
How long does a measured building survey take?
The time on site depends on the size and complexity of the property. A typical 3-bedroom house takes approximately 2–3 hours to measure. The drawings are then produced off site and delivered within 5–7 working days. Larger or more complex properties — or those requiring elevations and sections in addition to floor plans — will take longer.
Do I need a measured survey for a planning application?
Most planning applications require accurate, scaled drawings of the existing property and the proposed changes. A professionally produced measured survey gives your architect or designer an accurate base to work from. Submitting inaccurate or hand-drawn plans can delay your application or result in a refusal. If you are extending, converting a loft, or making significant alterations, a measured survey is a sensible investment.
Get a Fixed-Price Measured Survey Quote
Free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours. Professional drawings delivered in DWG and PDF within 5–7 working days.